Topamax and joint pain

I am a 42 year old woman. I started taking Topamax in March of 2008 for severe migraines. The migraines often caused vomiting and for my body to jerk similar to having seizure. I have had migraines for the last 15 years, but prior to starting Topamax I was having migraines almost every day (for about 6 months). My life had come to a stop. I had been through all of the neurological tests, and CT scans, etc. with no results. Topamax has nearly halted my migraines. I have a severe "head-ache" about every 6 weeks now that last 3 days. A huge improvement! However, my doctor had said that I should not be on Topamax long term so I have tried going off of it twice in the last year, each time on the 5th day to be hit with an all consuming migraine. I had come to this website to find out why I should not be on Topamax long-term to discover that many of the other health problems that I have been complaining about in the last year are probably a result of Topamax and the doctor did not ever suggest that was the case. I have TINGLING IN MY HANDS AND LIPS...the doctor thought this might be my thyroid, but that test was normal. I have had REDUCED VISION, the doctor said it is due to age and working on a computer all day. I have had JOINT PAIN which they are treating with an anti-inflammatory and suggested it’s probably the onset of arthritis. I have had WEIGHT LOSS, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, and the PAIN IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD. These are all things that I see others describe as symptoms of Topamax! Wow! I wish my doctor would have told me this so I didn't think there was something else wrong. I WILL NOT STOP TAKING TOPAMAX. Even if taking Topamax meant that my life would be 2 years shorter or something like that, there is no living in that kind of daily pain. But I am grateful to know that the symptoms are normal. Topamax has giving me back my life.

I have had all 5 types of migraines for 30 years. It seems I have had them longer then husbands : ), my children thought it was normal to "go to the ER" or to be in a dark room. I became very good at overcoming the incredible pain and pressure, rising to the top in my profession and being a single parent. I applaud my neurologist & his compassionate assistant. I toughed it out, ultimately, until Topamax came available. I still have migraines. I still must manage all my triggers. And people still don't get that migraines are all consuming and to overcome a migraine to attend a function is huge. However, I am currently, as others, backing off of several medications in a safe manner. My vision is not consistent. I tend to not play games, or read out loud as I cannot see what I used to. When I get up in the morning, my feet are sore. I have a dry mouth when I am speaking. My hands tingle and my ears ring. My gums bleed from pressure. It feels like I have a sinus infection. I have a constant headache and muscle soreness and weakness along with joint pain and low back pain. Having been on 75 mg Topamax since it came out, I no longer have the benefit of weight loss and weight gain is suddenly upon me--suddenly!! I do not wish to influence anyone in his or her choice. Personally, I am considering titrating off Topamax to see if any or all of these health issues change for me. I, too, have memory issues that are not associated with menopause. The problem with the list of side effects is that they could be present with other drug therapies or conditions. Once I have isolated the problems to Topamax, I will then have to weigh the cost of migraines vs. fewer migraines. I must remember to manage all triggers, as I hope others will also. I hope to be migraine free, with the benefit of good vision and better rest. I desire this for the readers of my post as well. Blessings.

I'm a 38 year old female who took Topamax back in 2003 as a migraine preventative. I don't remember any diminished brain capacity, forgetfulness, etc., but then I also suffer from ADD, so who would know. Anyway, I don't see this particular side affect with anyone, but exactly 72 hours after starting Topamax, then 72 hours after each dosage increase, I would suffer from severe body aches. The worst I've ever felt in my life and I usually get body aches with the flu.......these were much worse. If I remember correctly they would last for several days then gradually fade away. The Topamax didn't seem to help my migraines because six months later the neurologist switched me to something else. I'm seeing a new neurologist now and he wants me to try Topamax again. I'm worried and stressed beyond belief. I don't want to go through the body aches again. Has anyone else experience this? Am I maybe deficient in something that I could beef up on while taking the Topamax to decrease the body aches side affect?

sd

My wife has been on Topamax for 6 months and I feel our relationship is in the gutter. Lack of affection , no sex drive and she zones me out (like a zombie). Doe anyone have the same problems with their loved ones?

Hi Everyone,
I have been taking Topamax 25 mg for 1 week. I can't stand it. Today I am to up my dosage to 50 mg.I am not sure if I want to do that. The side effects suck.. I think I would rather just deal with my migraines, at least I know how to do that since I have had them for over 25 years. I have tried everything and nothing has worked so the Dr. and I thought we would give this a try.
I am trying to keep my place of employment happy with trying to cut down on the migraines but nothing works.
Most days I just want to give up.
Hopefully we will be able to figure something out.

I can't stand the pickhands and feet, the stumbling like I am drunk( and I dont' drink) nothing tastes right anymore, I have the shakes and I ache.
And all it does is makes me sleepy and like I am in another world.
I went to work today and made it half an hour before I came home because I stumbled and almost fell over. And when the boss talked to me it was like I wasn't there. So I came home. I don't know but I don't like it at all.

I started taking Topamax for migranes, 220mg daily, and could not tolerate it. I have had all the common problems, including ringing in my ears, right eye pain, and yes for the first time in my life, vison problems. I had no idea this drug could cause all that. I have had back and joint pain as well. I took myself off of it recently. The side effects are not worth it.

I have been on 100 mg of topamax twice a day now for over three years. Most of the early side effects have worn off like soda tasting bad and the memory loss. I never had any hair loss. Also the weight loss has stopped and I did gain it back which really stinks. Anyway, the reason I was looking, was that in the last several weeks, I have been suffering horrible body aches and joint pain. My hands and knees hurt very badly. I am 39 years old and hate to think that arthritis has set in so quickly. And I know that I can't have the flu with no other symptoms and so often. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Also I wonder why these could have started after so many years of taking it.I have tried to wean myself off in the past and the migrains came back full force.

I've been on Topamax 3 weeks now, and I've read all you side effect comments and I agree with all soda taste terrible! I have not experienced any hair loss as of yet, very little tingling in my hands or feet, my biggest problem is aching legs, it's literally waking me up in the early morning hours and can last a couple of hours, has anyone experienced this? It has started since I've started 75 mg on my 3rd week. But my migranes are completely gone and my appetite has lessened which is another plus! Thanks for any feedback.